Stakeholders Trained on Value Chain Development for Non-Timber Forest Products in Bauchi

By Muhammad Sani Muazu

In a concerted effort to promote sustainable forest management and economic empowerment, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, in partnership with the Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, has organized a training on Value Chain Development for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in Bauchi State. The training, which drew participants from various states across Nigeria, focused on harnessing non-timber resources as a means of boosting climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and improving livelihoods without the need to fell trees.

The workshop, held over several days, aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to identify, develop, and market non-timber forest products that are abundant in local communities. It also sought to enhance the role of women in the value chain of these products, as they are key players in their processing, packaging, and marketing.

One of the key participants, Titi Yakubu, a representative of the focal NGO, Savannah Institute for Sustainable Development, working with Bauchi ACReSAL described the training as highly relevant, particularly in the context of the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project, which focuses on climate resilience in semi-arid regions.

Speaking on the significance of NTFPs, Yakubu said, “This project is about climate resilience and forest restoration, and one of the key takeaways is the emphasis on non-timber forest products—resources that we can harvest without cutting down trees. These products help promote biodiversity, create wealth, and support a sustainable economy.”

Yakubu explained that in many communities, non-timber forest products such as Baobab leaves (locally known as Kuka) and local beans (Daddawa) are integral to local economies. Women, in particular, dominate the value chain, from harvesting and processing to packaging and marketing. “Women are actively involved in every stage of the value chain, except for the middleman role, where men typically step in to purchase and resell dried leaves. The participation of women in the value chain of these products provides significant employment opportunities and contributes to food security,” she added.

Yakubu further emphasized that the training’s focus on NTFPs aligns with the goal of fostering women’s economic empowerment in rural areas, as it provides them with sustainable income sources through value addition in their communities.

Similarly, Bukar Madu Goba, the FAO Desk Officer for Borno State, shared his perspective on the importance of the workshop, which he described as timely and impactful. Doma noted that many of the non-timber forest products in Borno and other northern states are at risk due to deforestation and depletion, making it critical to develop strategies to protect and rejuvenate forest resources.

“We are here to learn how to improve the value chains of non-timber forest products in our states, as well as to develop strategic action plans to present to our governments. These plans will outline how we can harness these products, improve their marketability, and ensure that they contribute to our local economies,” Madu explained.

He added that part of the efforts in Borno State is a tree-planting initiative aimed at reviving species that have been lost due to deforestation. “This program could not have come at a better time. We are currently engaged in replanting lost tree species, and this workshop has provided us with additional tools to sensitize our communities on the importance of safeguarding these trees and the valuable resources they provide.”

Madu highlighted that many everyday items used in local households, such as firewood and medicinal plants, come from forests that have suffered significant degradation. He stressed the need for greater awareness and protection efforts, noting that restoring the forests would provide multiple benefits, including the availability of more forest-based products for community use.

The training sessions also encouraged participants to explore how best to integrate NTFPs into climate resilience strategies, particularly in semi-arid landscapes where deforestation has exacerbated environmental challenges. The goal is to ensure that non-timber forest resources become a vital part of local economies while simultaneously preserving forest ecosystems for future generations.

Participants left the training with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to developing strategic plans tailored to their individual states, which they intend to present to their respective governments. The aim is to foster policies that support the sustainable management of NTFPs, thereby enhancing economic opportunities for local communities and contributing to the fight against climate change.

The workshop underscored the importance of community-level engagement, particularly among women, in driving sustainable forest management and economic resilience in northern Nigeria. With continued efforts and government support, NTFPs have the potential to significantly improve livelihoods, create jobs, and protect the environment, all while addressing the pressing issues of deforestation and climate change.

The FAO and ACReSAL project continue to advocate for sustainable practices in forest management, with an emphasis on the economic benefits that non-timber forest products can provide for local communities across Nigeria’s semi-arid regions.